'Steady progress' in fuel move
2006-07-10 13:12
East London - Salvors are making "steady progress" in the removal of fuel and cargo from the Safmarine Agulhas, aground off the coast of East London, the National Ports Authority (NPA) said on Monday.
Spokesperson Terry Taylor said almost 500 tons of bunker fuel had been discharged and about five containers of cargo remained above deck.
There are about 300 containers below deck.
Salvors would now remove the hatch covers to establish conditions below deck and set about discharging cargo from the holds below.
"It could take a couple of days, there are several factors such as weather that they [salvors] are relying on. Holds two and three are flooded, which could be a challenge," said Taylor.
He said once all the cargo was off, and any pollution threat had been eliminated the situation would be reassessed and a decision would be taken on what to do with the ship.
The ship ran aground after engine failure 10 days ago while leaving East London en route to Durban.
- SAPA